Chosen perspective drives happiness

A man I know just had his house, all 5 pets & his lifetime of archeological research, memoirs and keepsakes all destroyed in a house fire 4 weeks ago. I asked him how he could be so OK about it. He said "If I had been in the house I would have died, so I am choosing to celebrate my continued life, instead of mourning the loss of all my stuff." Our happiness really does all come down to the perspective we choose

Importance of Natural Consequences

So often we step in and prevent a loved one from experiencing the natural consequences of their actions. Out of love, we continue to enable behaviors that are clearly doing damage to themselves and others. And in the process, we rob them of the natural feedback that comes from experiencing the consequences of their poor choices. Who are you enabling, covering for, and not allowing to experience the results of their choices and actions?

Making The First Move

People often ask: Why do I always have to be the one to bridge the communication gap? Why do I always have to be the one that apologizes first? That answer is: Because you can, and because by doing so, you contribute to happiness, and both yourself and the other person accomplishing their goals. My goal is to always be the one to rapidly catch myself being resentful or angry or uncommunicative and make the shift first. Whose apology are you waiting for? Who needs you to reach out first?

The cost of being judgmental

So many times my negative judgment of someone gets in the way of accomplishing my desired result. In other words, I often subconsciously make my complaints about someone more important than finding a way to work with them so that both their needs and mine are met. I am getting better at this. Are you?

Listening To My Body

I am much healthier since I started listening to my body. Today my body said “Must sleep.” So I slept until noon, and felt better than I have felt in weeks. Then my body said “No computer work today”. So I did yard work & played with Tyler. I could have worked. But after working hard for 14 days, my body said “more sleep, no work”. And I am glad I listened. What is your body telling you that you are ignoring?

Getting their input really matters

Each of us wants to be heard. We want to know that our opinions & ideas matter. The key to inspiring people is to make sure that they are heard, their input is solicited, & their voice matters. When I neglect this with someone, their motivation & engagement drops. They may disengage or leave. This is true at home and at work. Whose input are you ignoring? Whose input & ideas are you going to ask for right now?

Happiness

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciatingwhat we do have."
~ Fredrick Koeing.

Make a list of 10 things you appreciate in your life right now, and you will be amazed at how much happier you instantly feel.